When Isaiah Sharkey picks up a guitar, he’s not just playing an instrument—he’s tapping into its history. In his latest visit to Reverb, the Grammy-winning guitarist shares three remarkable pieces from his personal collection, each with a story as rich as their tone.
There’s the stripped-down Callill once played by Jeff Lee Johnson, a one-of-one that pushes Sharkey to rely on nothing but his touch. Then the Ritter Princess Isabella prototype, built for George Benson—a guitar Sharkey once helped pack for shipment, only to later see it return to him through Reverb.
And finally, the crown jewel: a 1975 Gibson Johnny Smith, with a lineage that runs from Benson to Ike Isaacs and, according to lore, Johnny Smith himself.
About the passage of his instruments to new players, George Benson said, "For me, guitars have always marked the chapters of my life. There was the guitar I turned to when I was struggling to find my place in the guitar world. The one that helped me grow my skills. The one that shaped my sound. And the ones that carried me toward my goals. Each instrument was a partner in reaching my goal.
"It means a lot to me now to see those very guitars in the hands of the next generation. Isaiah Sharkey, for example, has quite a collection of them. I like that, because it feels like the story continues. The music goes on through young players who take those guitars and make them sing in new ways."
In the next video in our series, the acclaimed guitarist opens up about his daily routine, his musical mindset, and why he thinks of solos less like flurries of notes and more like vocal phrases. Whether he’s breaking down harmonic concepts or just noodling on the couch while watching TV, Sharkey keeps one goal in mind: connection.
For Sharkey, great guitar playing isn't about flash, it's about feel. He draws inspiration not only from other instrumentalists but also from singers, shaping solos that are lyrical and melodic enough to hum.
His approach removes ego from the equation, focusing instead on what serves the moment and resonates with listeners. As he puts it, "What comes from the heart reaches the heart."
Isaiah Sharkey has long been revered for his ability to seamlessly blend genres, effortlessly moving between jazz, R&B, gospel, rock, and funk. Known for his work with artists like D’Angelo, John Mayer, and Cory Henry, Sharkey has built a reputation as a guitarist who can do it all, while always maintaining a deep sense of groove and storytelling through his playing.
In this intimate Reverb Session, Sharkey brings his virtuosic guitar skills and soulful voice to the forefront. Performing a set that highlights both his technical prowess and emotional depth, he creates a space where melody and rhythm feel inseparable, reminding us why he’s one of the most sought-after players in contemporary music.
From the first shimmering chord to the final note, the session captures the essence of Sharkey’s artistry: warm, fluid, and unpretentiously masterful. Watch the full session above, and let Sharkey’s performance inspire your own creative journey.